At The Cocoon Hostel, we’ve built something more than just a place to sleep. It’s a home base for travellers, a launchpad for exploring Koh Samet, and a space where people can genuinely connect.
Behind it all are us — Nick and May.
We live on the island, run the hostel day‑to‑day, and love sharing Koh Samet with travellers from around the world. Here’s a little about who we are and why we created The Cocoon.
Hey, We’re Nick and May 👋
Nick
I’m originally from a small town near Liverpool, England. Like many backpackers, travel slowly turned into something more permanent for me. Over the years I’ve travelled extensively through Southeast Asia and India, worked in Australia, and stayed in more hostels than I can count.
After a short (and very un‑travel‑like) office job back in England, I knew that lifestyle wasn’t for me. I moved to Thailand to teach English — and that decision changed everything. Not only did I fall in love with the country, but I also met May.
May
I’m from Lampang, in northern Thailand, and like many people, I started my career in an office job in Bangkok. I gave it a real try — but it didn’t take long to realise that office life wasn’t for me.
Around 12 years ago, I made the move to Koh Samet and began working in hospitality, eventually becoming a hotel manager. Island life suited me immediately, and over the years I built up strong experience running hotels and looking after guests.
After meeting Nick, it felt like the right time to put that experience to use in something of our own. While Nick brings the traveller’s perspective and heart of The Cocoon, I’m very much the one behind the scenes — managing the day-to-day operations and making sure everything runs smoothly.
How We Met (Thanks to Gecko Bar)
We first met on Koh Samet at Gecko Bar. Nick was visiting the island with his brother, who helped break the ice that night. A conversation turned into a message later on, then another visit — which happened to fall on Nick’s birthday.
What started casually soon became something much bigger. Over time, both our personal lives and our shared idea of running a place together began to take shape.
Why We Opened The Cocoon Hostel
Between us, we’ve experienced both sides of hospitality.
Nick had spent years travelling as a backpacker and knew exactly what makes a hostel good — and what makes one forgettable. May had managed hotels on Koh Samet for years and understood how things really work behind the scenes.
We noticed the same thing again and again: the best places weren’t about being flashy or loud. They focused on comfort, cleanliness, good sleep, and a welcoming atmosphere.
When the opportunity came up to create our own hostel, we knew exactly what we wanted to build. That’s how The Cocoon Hostel was born — a calm, comfortable space designed for real travellers.
What We Care About (And What You’ll Feel Here)
From day one, our focus has been simple:
- Comfortable beds and proper sleep
- Clean bathrooms with strong showers
- Thoughtful shared spaces
- A relaxed, social atmosphere without pressure
We don’t run a party hostel. Instead, we’ve created a place where solo travellers feel comfortable, conversations happen naturally, and people can recharge between adventures.
Because we live on Koh Samet, we’re not just here to check you in. We’re always happy to share honest advice — from where to eat, to which beach suits your mood, to which tours are actually worth your time.
Life on Koh Samet
Nick: I’ve never been much of a city person. Koh Samet’s slower pace, close‑knit community, and easy access to nature make it a place that’s hard to leave. Whether it’s a quiet beach, a walk through the island’s trails, or a good conversation with guests, life here feels balanced.
May: Most of my closest friends live on the island, and Koh Samet feels like home. I love sharing local places with guests — especially the quieter spots away from the crowds. (Yes, I do have a favourite beach… and I might tell you if you ask nicely.)
A Few Local Favourites
Guests often ask us where we like to go ourselves:
- Gecko Bar — where our story began
- Hay Ha Bar on Sai Kaew Beach — great atmosphere by the sea
- The quieter beaches in the south of the island — perfect for slowing down
We’re also always happy to recommend local food spots, seafood places, and small restaurants that don’t always show up on Google.
What We Hope You Take Away
More than anything, we hope your time at The Cocoon leaves you with:
- Proper rest
- New connections
- Real memories of island life
That feeling of discovering a place that just works — that’s what Koh Samet gave us, and what we hope to pass on to you.
Ready to Stay With Us?
If you’re planning a trip to Koh Samet and want to stay somewhere comfortable, relaxed, and genuinely welcoming, we’d love to meet you.
See you soon on the island 🌴
